Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso has reaffirmed his support for manager Raffaele Palladino in a recent interview with TeleMia, addressing various topics including the team’s current season, stadium plans, and transfer dealings.
Commisso revealed that there had been external pressure to dismiss Palladino earlier in the season, but he stood by his decision to retain the coach. “Up to a certain point, we started making mistakes… Some people from outside wanted to send the coach away, but I kept him, of course,” Commisso stated. He expressed optimism following the team’s recent victory against Lazio, hoping it marks a turning point in their campaign.
The Fiorentina owner outlined ambitious goals for the club, currently sitting in sixth place in Serie A. “We’re in sixth place and we hope to get as high as possible, in the Europa League and maybe even in the Champions League,” he said. Commisso also touched on the team’s success in cup competitions, reaching the Conference League final last season and expressing hope to repeat that feat this year.
When questioned about plans for a new stadium, Commisso expressed frustration with the political landscape in Italy regarding stadium development. “In Italy, with the politics there, you can’t move forward with stadiums. They’re renovating it now, but the owner remains the municipality,” he explained. He contrasted this with the Viola Park training center, which he owns outright and describes as “one of the largest in Europe.”
Commisso spoke about his philanthropic efforts, mentioning the club’s twinning with a team in Marina di Gioiosa and his personal contributions to education. “When possible, we help them with balls and shirts. Things I’ve done all my life, I’ve given over 3,500 scholarships to universities and kids who want to try to come to America,” he shared.
Reflecting on his tenure at Fiorentina, Commisso emphasized his motivation for returning to Italy: “I came back to Italy to give something to my country and to the sport that has given me so much: football.”
The interview also touched on Fiorentina’s transfer dealings, with Commisso praising the club’s business with Juventus, particularly the sales of Vlahovic, Chiesa, and recently Gonzalez. He confirmed the recent acquisition of Kean for €15 million as a good deal for the club.
Regarding his relationship with manager Palladino, Commisso was unequivocal in his support: “I care a lot about Raffaele, we’re fine. I don’t need to take coaches away from other teams.”
Commisso concluded by expressing his satisfaction with the Florence environment, despite initial challenges with local media. “I’ve found it great. In the first years, journalists had a bit of a problem with me… but I silenced them (laughs). But everyone is okay, both in the municipality and among our fans,” he said.
